Fundraising Tools

Fundraising is vital to the success of the Guts & Glory 5K program and ensures we can continue funding research for cures. Raising funds requires a team commitment and those dollars are required to fuel our research efforts, continue advancing treatments, and support our patient education and support programs.

With one in every 100 people diagnosed with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, chances are high your friends and family may have many connections to these diseases. Use these fundraising tools to meet your team fundraising goals!

1. Encourage your teammates to set their own fundraising goals. All of the fundraising for a team shouldn't rest on the team captains shoulders - just think, if all ten of your teammates raised $100 that's $1,000 right there! 
2. Know your network! Here are some questions to ask yourself when forming your solicitation list...
   -Who did you see at the last holiday?
   -Who are some family members on the "other side?" (i.e. your uncle's wife's family)
   -To whom did you send holiday cards to?
   -What social clubs are you in? (book club, poker night, sorority, garden club)
   -What social groups do you participate in? (PTA, religious organizations, civic organizations, swim club, gym)
   -Who am I connected to on social media that has a personal connection to IBD? (search your Facebook network using key words like "Crohn's" or "ID" to see if anyone has a personal connection)
   -Who has asked you for a donation on behalf of their favorite charity in the past?
   -What local businesses do you see advertise locally or which businesses do you frequent? 
   -What vendors does your company give their business to? (printers, couriers, vending machines)
   -What professional networking groups do you belong to? 
   -Am I connected to anyone on LinkedIn that often posts about needing new business? 
3. Don't be afraid to ask! The worst anyone can say is 'no.'
4. Follow-up is key. The average donor needs 3 reminders before the make the donation. (Ask, reminder, donate!)
5. Personalize you ask. Sharing your personal story with IBD not only educates donors on Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis but also compells them to support a cause that is obviously so important to you. 

Need additional ideas or help? Contact Dawn Halsey at dhalsey@crohnscolitisfoundation.org or Carly Presnell at cpresnell@crohnscolitisfoundation.org.